Just curious to hear what others are doing in terms of cleaning and restoration to their books, if anything.

Whenever I order a new book, I go through it page by page. I clean cover, erase pencil marks, unfold corners, reattach loose pages, etc.

I know the comic book guys do serious restorations. I was wondering if any of you guys with the big money books go the restoration route?

Restoration/preservation is not for novices.

If you have a big money item, I would take it to someone who does that for a living.


After all, you don't have open heart surgery in an alley.

Yes I do. I have used PH neutral archival glue to repair box sets and book bindings.

For example, the flat "perfect bindings" that were (are?) popular for many rpgs simply have a block of pages glued to the spine/cover. Over time, especially with cheap manufacture this can become brittle and pages separate and come loose (or the spine can "break"). With a confident hand, sharp craft knife and glue you can repair and re-glue this making the book good to read/use again. Almost as good as new. For example, some (but not all) of the late 1970s Chivalry and Sorcery supplements and some (but by no means all) early 1980s rpg books seem to me to have weak perfect bindings.

I have experimented with different erasers as well, seeing if I can get pen or heavy pencil off a page or cover. And removing sticky labels (patience, patience…). I have also recently been "flattening" a curved game supplement with some success (I think).

The most important thing however is to be sure to note any repairs when you are selling any game on. This is largely a forum of people who buy and sell and trade old roleplaying games -- passing on any restored books or games as untouched is a Capital Offence!

It can be lots of fun -- messing around with knives, glue and other tools, and making an older tired or broken game better and usable again is addictive. And you get good at this fast, when you make mistakes you only make them once and the next time you do it better.  

So what's the best way to re-attach pages?  You mention glue, but how exactly do you do it?

I have an original soft cover Elfquest graphic novel that has pages coming out of the binding.

Other than tape, how can I save it?

Replacing a torn page is called "tipping" meaning you glue the edge and tuck the page back in. Use a straight edge to help tuck it in there. Close the book, let it dry. Use a glue that is for book binding ideally, or you can just use a glue that dries clear and remains flexible (not hard).